MAN TO BE CHARGED FOR SERIES OF LOANSHARK HARASSMENT

The Police will be charging a 45-year-old man for his suspected involvement in loansharking activities.

Between 22 March and 28 April 2022, the Police received several reports of harassment where debtor notes were sent via post to various government buildings and residential units. The notes contained photographs and personal information of alleged debtors of unlicensed moneylending.

Through follow up investigations, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and the seven Police Land Divisions established the identity of the man and arrested him on 5 May 2022 in the vicinity of Sengkang.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had allegedly worked for a loanshark to print and mail debtor notes to multiple addressees island-wide. The man had also allegedly assisted the loanshark to perform banking transactions at Automated Teller Machines.

The man will be charged in court on 15 September 2023 for two counts of assisting in unlicensed moneylending and 22 counts of harassing debtor on behalf of an unlicensed moneylender under Section 19(1)(b)(i) read with Section 19(2)(a) and Section 47(2)(a) read with Section 47(3)(a) of the Moneylenders Act 2008 respectively. First-time offenders found guilty of an offence under Section 19 of the Moneylenders Act 2008 shall be punished with imprisonment of up to four years, a fine between $30,000 and $300,000 and caning of not more than six strokes. First-time offenders found guilty of an offence under Section 47 of the Moneylenders Act 2008 shall be punished with imprisonment of up to five years, a fine between $5,000 and $50,000, and caning of not less than three and not more than six strokes.

The Police will continue to take tough enforcement action against those involved in the unlicensed moneylending business, regardless of their roles, to ensure that they face the full brunt of the law. Members of the public are also advised to stay away from unlicensed moneylenders and not to work with or assist them in any way. Members of the public can call the Police at ‘999’ or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in unlicensed moneylending activities.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
14 September 2023 @ 11:40 AM

Superintendent Lim Tswi-Tsen, a 48-year-old commanding officer from the Police Coast Guard’s (PCG) Gul Region, has been charged with one count of drink driving, according to The Straits Times.

This incident occurred on May 27, around 1:40 am when Lim was driving along an East Coast Parkway slip road into Fort Road.

He allegedly had at least 49 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath at the time of his arrest, surpassing the prescribed limit of 35 micrograms.

The Swift Response from the Authorities

The police wasted no time in responding to this incident. Swiftly, they initiated investigations against Lim and took immediate action by transferring him to a non-front-line post within the PCG.

A police spokesperson has commented on this issue, stating, “Officers of the Singapore Police Force are expected to uphold the law and maintain the highest standards of conduct and integrity. We deal accordingly with officers who break the law, including charging them in court. We are unable to comment further, as the court case is ongoing.”

Lim’s Upcoming Court Appearance

Lim Tswi-Tsen is scheduled to plead guilty on October 26.

Drink driving is a serious offense in Singapore, as it is in many parts of the world. If Lim is convicted of drink driving, he could face significant penalties.

A first-time offender can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $10,000. For repeat offenders, the consequences are even more severe, with the possibility of imprisonment for up to two years and fines of up to $20,000.

Conclusion

The case of Lim Tswi-Tsen serves as a reminder that nobody is above the law, regardless of their position or status. It also highlights the seriousness with which the authorities in Singapore treat cases of drink driving. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the PCG commanding officer.

In the early months of 2023, a disturbing trend emerged in various parts of Singapore – a series of cat deaths and injuries that sent shockwaves through the cat-feeding community.

A Disturbing Discovery

It all began in January 2023 when cat feeders in the neighborhoods of Ang Mo Kio, Seletar, and Hougang stumbled upon a grim sight. Carcasses of cats were found with bite or puncture wounds, unmistakably the result of an animal attack. It was a heart-wrenching scene, leaving cat lovers in these areas in distress.

As investigations progressed, it became evident that a pack of dogs was likely responsible for these brutal attacks. The wounds on the cats matched those typically inflicted by canine predators. Alarmed by these findings, cat feeders initiated nighttime patrols to safeguard their feline companions.

The situation escalated when reports started pouring in from Paya Lebar, where the marauding dog pack had extended its reign of terror. Shockingly, they had claimed the lives of approximately 50 cats, according to Channel NewsAsia.

Concerned citizens and animal welfare organizations swiftly alerted the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

AVS Steps In

In response to mounting concerns, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), a division of NParks, sprang into action. On September 8th, 2023, AVS received reports of three free-roaming dogs displaying aggressive behavior toward residents at Fernvale Lane. AVS wasted no time and promptly intervened.

Of the three dogs encountered, two were successfully captured and taken into AVS’ care. Subsequent observations indicated that these dogs bore a striking resemblance to the ones implicated in the cat attacks across various locations, particularly in Ang Mo Kio.

Ensuring Safety

Chang Siow Foong, the group director of community animal management at AVS, assured the public that the captured dogs were now under the agency’s care. Plans were set in motion to collaborate with animal welfare groups to find suitable homes for them. AVS also committed to ongoing monitoring of the situation.

Chang shed light on the behavior of dogs, emphasizing their territorial instincts and their natural inclination to chase and catch objects. While some dogs may exhibit such tendencies more strongly than others, not all will confront humans or other animals. It was advised that, in the presence of free-roaming dogs, people should avoid staring at them and instead speak softly while walking away slowly, avoiding sudden movements.

Interestingly, AVS had prior knowledge of stray dogs in Ang Mo Kio, including the three dogs associated with the cat attacks. Chang revealed that these dogs were believed to have wandered from a remote site in the north to Ang Mo Kio. AVS intended to guide them back to their original location through feeding and conditioning, a strategy employed under the nationwide Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) program.

AVS’s Efforts

Despite their best efforts, AVS faced challenges in capturing the elusive dogs. Traps were deployed, but the dogs, accustomed to their nomadic lifestyle, proved evasive. Chang acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasizing the need for patience and continued efforts.

In conclusion, the recent wave of cat deaths and injuries in Singapore has prompted swift action from AVS and the wider community. As authorities work to address the issue and protect both cats and dogs, it is essential for residents to remain vigilant and compassionate towards these animals.

FAQs

1. What should I do if I encounter free-roaming dogs in my neighborhood?
   • If you come across free-roaming dogs, it’s best to avoid direct eye contact, speak softly, and slowly walk away without making sudden movements.
2. Are all dogs territorial and likely to attack other animals?
   • No, not all dogs display strong territorial instincts. Their behavior varies, and many tend to be wary of humans and other animals.
3. How can I help in such situations of animal conflict?
   • If you witness or suspect animal conflict, you should report it to the relevant authorities or local animal welfare organizations.
4. What is the Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) program mentioned in the article?
   • TNRM is a humane strategy aimed at managing the population of stray animals by trapping, neutering or spaying, and then releasing them back into their original location.